Deaf and disabled people rallied on the steps of Parliament today to celebrate the creation of a telephone relay service to allow deaf people telephone access, and to thank Minister for Disability Issues Ruth Dyson and Telecommunications Minister Paul Swain for making it happen.

After a seven-year battle for the service by Victoria Manning and Kim Robinson, Ms Dyson and Mr Swain announced the relay service would be established as a Telecommunications Service Order (TSO), under the Telecommunications Act 2001.

BACKGROUND:
- Victoria Manning - A Victory For Deaf And Disabled People
- Paul Swain & Ruth Dyson - Government Backs Deaf Relay Service

Disabilities Minister Ruth Dyson, left, in dialogue with Victoria Manning.

Supporters rally.

Left to right: Telecommunications Minister Paul Swain, Victoria Manning and Kim Robinson.

Victoria Manning leads a big sign-clap.

Paul Swain tries his hand at signing.

Ruth Dyson signed a little, and then left it to interpreter Anne Wise.

Ruth Dyson and Paul Swain in a feel good moment, with huge cards signed with thanks.
Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan at right.